Marketplace All-in-One It's quality over low cost for U.S. clothing manufacturing
Aug 19, 2025
Amid a long decline in U.S. apparel production, there's a surprising silver lining: high-quality clothing can still turn a profit domestically. A New Bedford suit factory showcases how quality over cost is key in this challenging landscape. Meanwhile, Home Depot's disappointing profits reveal changing consumer habits and pressures on major retailers. Automation plays a role in streamlining suit production, showing that efficiency and craftsmanship can coexist.
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Quality Over Low Cost Wins
- U.S. apparel manufacturing has declined for decades, but some factories still operate profitably.
- High-end, specialized garments like suits can succeed domestically by focusing on quality over low cost.
A Suit Factory In New Bedford
- New Bedford hosts the largest tailored clothing factory, making about 600 Joseph Aboud suits a day.
- The plant uses a conveyor-like overhead rail to move garments between roughly 200–225 steps in production.
Automate To Preserve Skilled Labor
- Automate non-skill tasks to lower labor costs without sacrificing craftsmanship.
- Use systems like overhead conveyors to keep skilled workers focused on high-value steps.